Family Camp Out Night Set For Sept. 18.

By Dean Wright, The Bristol Press

September 13, 2021

Bristol families will be able to sleep under the stars on Muzzy Field as part of the first Family Camp Out put on by the Bristol Department of Parks, Recreation Youth and Community Services on Sept. 18.

In league with the All Heart Pop Up Parks series, the department is offering to allow families to take part in activities, lawn games and a movie on the baseball field as the day darkens. Staff will be on hand to lead scavenger hunts, crafts and “giant games” said information provided from the department. Once the movie has ended, Muzzy Field will be locked down. Refreshments will be offered as part of a morning breakfast at 6 a.m. before guests leave the field by 7 a.m.

“I’ve been looking forward to this all summer,” said Department Deputy Superintendent Sarah Larson. “As the culminating event in the Pop-Up Parks series, we’re looking to cap it off in a really fun way with a few special surprises.”

Those interested in reserving tents can register at the Bristol Rec website. Participants can also bring their own tents. Residents are encouraged to bring flashlights, pajamas, lanterns and blankets. The department notes space is limited and those wishing to sleep on Muzzy Field should register early. Each participating group will receive its assigned space.

“This will be our first time doing an overnight event and I’m excited to see how it’s received,” said Community Engagement Coordinator Erica Benoit. “As part of the larger Pop-Up Parks series, this may only be offered once, but if community members and the youth enjoy the experience it would be awesome to see it grow into an annual event.”

Pop-up events have been offered by the department as part of a partnership with the Main Street Community Foundation’s Broad View Fund. The events are aimed at promoting strengthened families, families and communities. The events seek to engage underutilized spaces to promote further safety and visibility for all town residents regardless of sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity or socioeconomic background.

“The funding from the All Heart Pop-Up Parks series has allowed us to invest in supplies and resources that we can further utilize for programs and events moving forward,” Larson said. “We’ll be bringing back a lot of the elements from the other Pop-Up events to help us close out the series.”

Questions, camp information and registration can be found at the Bristol Rec webpage. The deadline for those wishing to participate is Sept. 15 at noon.